Brazil Nuts

Brazil
Nuts are the seeds from trees grown in the tropical rain forests of the Amazon
in South America. The tree yields 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) pods, which contain
between 8 to 24 seeds (brazil nuts) and are very labor intensive to harvest.
Soft, ivory-colored nutmeat covered in a thin brown skin is enclosed in a
three-sided hard, dark brown, roughly-textured shell.

They are sold shelled or unshelled. To ensure freshness, buy
unshelled as brazil nuts have a high oil content and turn rancid quickly.
Unshelled nuts can be stored in a dry cool place for 6 months. Shelled nuts can
be stored in airtight plastic bags in your freezer for 6 months or refrigerator
for 3 months.

With their sweet, soft, buttery
flavor (a little like coconut) they are good to eat by hand or in desserts and
pastries.

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